Chronological Resume

If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door
-Milton Berle

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Building a stellar resume is in many ways akin to building such a door.

A resume is a document which presents an individual’s professional history, skills, and achievements. It is the most crucial paperwork needed when hunting for a job, and hence must be impeccably written and essentially flawless.

Depending on the nature of the job or industry, a resume can be presented in various formats.

When deciding which format to employ, consider both- your experience and the job you're applying for. To cypher what the employer values most about a prospective employee, pay keen attention to the job description

But as is the norm, those with a rich and consistent work history go for chronological resumes.

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What is a Chronological Resume?

A chronological resume arranges your work history in reverse order of date, with your most recent position cited first. It may also include an objective or resume summary before the work experience. 

Chronological resumes are one of the three main types of resumes, the other two beings:

1. a. Functional Resume
   

   A functional resume is usually used by candidates with long periods of gaps in their employment or career hopping

   
   
2. b. Combination Resume
   

   Industry experts advise using a combination resume when switching careers as it helps highlight an individual’s various skills gathered over a period of time

Why use a Chronological Resume

When not to use a Chronological Resume

1. 1. When just beginning your career
   

   As a fresh recruit newly inducted into the job market, a chronological resume may not get you places.

   You may possess all the skills and relevant experience needed, outside the domain of paid work. But if you choose a chronological resume, the recruiter’s gaze is bound to be fixated upon your lack of paid work experience, not how well you've honed and presented your skills

   Choosing a functional resume to highlight your skills over a linear job experience, is sure to leave a good impression

2. 2. When changing careers
   

   Changing fields is daunting as is, one does not need the added hassle and anxiety of having to face the rejection pile of resumes when applying for a new job.

   Go for a combination resume to highlight your skillset while accounting for your previous work experience.

3. 3. When you’ve frequently changed jobs
   

   Notoriously tagged job-hopping, frequent changes in workplace or employment, may garner unwanted attention from your hiring manager

   This too can be displayed in a positive light by choosing a combination resume.

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Writing a Chronological Resume

Each template for a chronological resume is a little different and helps you emphasise different aspects of your resume. The aspects to be prioritised should be deciphered from the job description
Usually chronological have the following sections:

1. 1. Contact Information
   

   Always start with your contact information at the top of the resume.Include your name, phone number, email address and ensure they are up to date.

2. 2. Objective
   

   Any professional resume starts with an objective statement, in brief, the candidate’s skill set, qualification, and career ambition.

   New graduates with little experience should include their skills and short term visions while veterans are required to talk about skills and qualifications.

3. 3. Work Experience
   

   Your work experience should contain all the relevant job titles you've held in the past

   For example, when applying for the position of a software engineer, list your professional history starting from your current employer to your first job.

4. 4. Education
   

   The education section should be structured in a similar way to work experience. List the most recent educational achievements first, going all the way back.

   

   If you're currently pursuing a degree or have completed and obtained a post-secondary degree, avoid listing your high school details. However, if you’re applying for a job straight after graduation from high school, mention your grades or GPAs (if 3.5 or above)

   Your education focuses on skills acquisition, enlisting your degrees, relevant coursework, and projects. It should also include awards, certifications, and other academic achievements.

5. 4. Skills
   

   As is the norm, review the job description to decipher what skills matter most to the recruiter and include the same.

   If you're currently pursuing a degree or have completed and obtained a post-secondary degree, avoid listing your high school details. However, if you’re applying for a job straight after graduation from high school, mention your grades or GPAs (if 3.5 or above)

   This section should highlight the most relevant and competent skills. These can include both interpersonal and technical skills

   Another aspect of skill acquisition is the frequency with which a candidate acquires new skills, recruiters are drawn to individuals with a dynamic, growth mindset. Hence, aim to keep learning and adding skills to your arsenal.

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